La Liga Match Previews: Match Week 33 (Part 2)

It was a tough but deservedly entertaining battle for Villarreal in their fight against table leaders Atletico Madrid. While they may have lost the tourney, Villarreal did not head home without causing Atletico to sweat. Raul Garcia opened the scoring (and served the match’s only goal) early in the first half but immense pressure and threat from El Submarino Amarillo hindered them from producing more goals. However, by the end of the day, it was still a heartbreaking finish for Marcelino García Toral’s men who are now fighting tooth and nail to remain among the favorites to secure a Europa League seeding.

Levante’s inconsistency is causing them trouble. The side are still a few points adrift of the relegation zone but their safety is not fully guaranteed. They are struggling to make absolutely solid displays as they are being held back by their incapability on possession and their frequency in the dangerous areas. In addition, Les Granotes must learn the best ways to finish scoring chances specially that La Liga’s season finale is now just a few weeks away.

Online betting tip: Villarreal are en route to their 15th league victory.

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Granada vs. Barcelona

Match Date: 12 April 2014 (local)

Match Venue:Estadio Los Cármenes

This battle does seem one-sided towards Barcelona, especially when considering the sides’ latest fixture results and overall La Liga performance. Barca put further pressure on current leaders Atletico Madrid after winning all three points from a thrilling duel against relegation-threatened Real Betis 3-1. They remain second in the rankings, but lead the competition in terms of goal difference.

Granada, meanwhile, performed below par against Malaga. They have succumbed to a 4-1 thrashing, capped by numerous failures in conversion. As a result, the Nazaries are locked with 34 points and are now down by two spots in the league standings. Based on skills set, Gerardo Martino’s men are largely superior over the Lucas Alcaraz side, although the latter may capitalize on their good defense to halt any significant assault from Barcelona.